Color Craze: ‘Jump’ Back to the 90s With Neon Athletic Shoes

When I was just a little kid living the dream in the late 80s, my mom bought me my first pair of jelly shoes. They were made of PVC plastic, were uncomfortable and left crazy patterns on my feet — they were AMAZING.

My jellies were also a shade of pink so bright that no mere mortal could look at them directly. They complemented my painfully bright, electric green tunic top and my not-found-in-nature, neon orange headband. I could stop traffic with one pirouette on the playground blacktop.

Neon Is Back

Well, the late 80s and early 90s are back, which means neon is back, and I’m suddenly nostalgic for Super Mario Bros., slap bracelets and hair crimping. Kids are running around with bright yellow sunglasses, and hot pink nail polish is cool again.

I won’t be donning a head-to-toe neon look, but I will be pulling on some neon athletic shoes. I am a grown-up, and neon is totally okay for grown-ups.

I repeat: Neon is totally okay for grown-ups. Not just okay, on trend! Not just okay, completely encouraged! Throw (some) caution to the wind, very briefly, and consider letting neon into your home (and heart!).

Rock These Neon Sneakers

With a light blue and “volt” color palette, these neon athletic shoes will totally bring a smile to my face when I’m hitting the trail, sweating the whole time.

This ultra-bright pair of athletic shoes look like 1991 exploded on them, and I mean that in a good way.

These running shoes are perfect for the girl who’s thinking “I really like this neon trend, but I need to just dip my toe (pun!) in these crazy-bright waters.” If this is you, these are perfect, with just a hint of neon.

For the guy who wants to say, “My shoes remind me of the Hi-C Ecto Coolers my mom packed in my lunch box,” these are perfect.

Americans Love Nostalgia

America has a soft spot for anything nostalgic. That’s why Volkswagen Beetles made a huge comeback in the late 90s. That’s why I’m quick to buy my daughters their very own Lisa Frank rainbow notebooks.

What do you think about this neon trend? Does it belong back in the 90s? Are you wearing a pair of bright orange Wayfarers right now? Are you ready to leave neon behind in the land of Hammer pants and Kriss Kross (who totally makes you want to jump, jump)? Leave a comment and tell us what you think!